Agenda

9:30 – 10:00

Arrive and Check-in

10:00 – 10:30

Networking and Coffee/Tea

10:30 – 10:45

Symposium Begins—Welcome

10:45 – 11:15

Anna Huhn, PhD, Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Oxford
Parallel measurements of hundreds of TCR/pMHC affinities to predict TCR crossreactivity

Abstract: T cells recognise foreign pathogens through peptide antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) via their T-cell receptor (TCR). In cancer therapy, there is a growing focus on engineering T cells with novel TCRs designed to recognise tumour-specific peptide antigens, redirecting immune responses toward cancer cells. However, a significant challenge is the risk of TCR cross-reactivity to self-peptides, which can result in fatal autoimmune toxicity. I will present a protocol to measure hundreds of TCR/pMHC affinities using Carterra’s high-throughput SPR technology. The resulting dataset will enhance our understanding of T cell activation and identify potential TCR cross-reactivity.

11:15 – 11:45

Ruiyuan Zheng, PhD, Marketing Product Manager, ACROBiosystems EU
Designing Target Recombinant Proteins for Autoimmune Drug Discovery and Research

Abstract: Adalimumab, a TNF-α inhibitor, has revolutionised the treatment of autoimmune diseases, demonstrating a high success rate across a wide range of conditions, including Crohn’s disease. However, its effectiveness has been tempered by concerns regarding immunogenicity and infections. With the rapid exploration of new targets and signaling pathways, numerous targets remain to be discovered and optimised. In this talk, we present various case studies, technologies, and analytical methods designed to ensure a ‘native’ protein that is structurally and conformationally accurate, maximising bioactivity and assisting in discovering new targets for autoimmune diseases.

11:45 – 13:00

Lunch and Networking

13:00 – 13:30

Ilse Roodink, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies
A multi-parametric humanization approach for single-step engineering to amplify the therapeutic potential of rabbit antibodies

Abstract: Given the unique biology of antibody maturation in rabbits, this species is an excellent source for identifying diversified panels of target reactive antibodies. However, rabbit antibodies might require more extensive engineering for clinical application compared to traditionally used mouse antibodies. The presented case study highlights strategies to expedite lead selection from a diverse panel of rabbit antibodies. By applying our robust B cell discovery technology combined with high throughout reactivity and epitope landscape profiling, and subsequently utilizing our rapid, scalable in silico-driven humanization platform—which includes thorough risk assessment, early de-risking, and high-throughput in vitro kinetic profiling—a diverse set of optimized antibodies was rapidly delivered for further clinical development.

Judicael Parisot, PhD, Application Science Team Lead, Carterra
Applications from mAbs to Fragment Screening: How Carterra LSA, LSA^XT and Ultra HT-SPR Platforms Enable Highly Parallel Analysis Advancing All Drug Discovery Modalities

Abstract: Carterra’s HT-SPR technology platforms have set the bar for throughput and scalability for biologics discovery and now extend to small molecule and fragment screening.  The Carterra Ultra enables a transformative approach to library screening, highly parallel analysis, where many targets can be screened simultaneously against a library.  Why run single campaigns when you can screen your entire target backlog simultaneously?  This presentation will highlight three interesting application examples: the detailed kinetic characterization of human Fab fragments directly from bacterial extracts, the selectivity and cooperativity of PROTAC’s using HT-SPR, and fragment library screening.

14:00

Symposium Ends